Category: Cities

Milan – Historic, Stylish & Home of Lambretta

Reading Time: 8 minutes
Milan, Italy (July 2012 & June 2017)

While on a family trip in the UK in July 2012, hubby and I decided at short notice to take a brief side trip without the children to Milan, Italy. It was the first time we’d taken a trip without the kids (then aged 8 and 4), so we felt a little guilty. We need not have worried, it was only for 3 nights – the children stayed with their grandparents and cousins in England and had a fantastic time. Continue reading “Milan – Historic, Stylish & Home of Lambretta”

The appeal of Venice, California

Reading Time: 10 minutes
Venice, California, U.S.A.
Venice Beach, Los Angeles (Feb 2016)

Venice Beach is only 25 minutes drive from LAX and is walking distance from Santa Monica.  It has always been famous for its boardwalk, canals and beautiful beach and now also offers a shopper’s paradise on Abbot Kinney Blvd.

The beachside community was founded in 1905 and developed by an eccentric millionaire named Abbot Kinney. He modelled the town after his favourite Italian city of the same name, complete with canals and plenty of pizza stands.

It has had its share of rough times with gangs in the past and has a massive homeless problem (like many places in the USA) however we love Venice for its character and down to earth vibe. We have visited eight times over the past 25 years and each time it feels like not a lot has changed since our first visit in 1993. Continue reading “The appeal of Venice, California”

This is L.A.

Reading Time: 18 minutes
Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
Venice Beach, L.A. (April 2017)

I have been to L.A. many times. My first visit was as a child, aged 9, with my family. I returned when I was 23, with my boyfriend (now hubby), and we have been another 7 times since then, mostly as a couple, twice with our children. We all love this city. It’s big, diverse and has a great climate. There’s something to offer for everyone, whatever your tastes or interests.

We often return to the same places, each time relieved to see only subtle changes, generally for the better. Although we like going back to places we know, we also try to discover and experience something new each time.

Apologies in advance, this post is quite long – I have so much to say about this city. Hopefully you will find my tips useful if you are planning a visit!

This is L.A. Continue reading “This is L.A.”

Nine days in New Zealand

Reading Time: 7 minutes
Auckland to Wellington, New Zealand  (July 2013)
Taupo, NZ (July 2013)

It’s strange how I seem to be drawn to foreign places far, far away, despite the fact that living in Australia we have some fantastic holiday destinations on our own doorstep.

However, in July 2013 I did arrange a trip closer to home. I had some work meetings scheduled in New Zealand’s Auckland and Wellington, so decided to take this opportunity to make a family holiday of it. We spent 9 days on the North Island, starting our tour at the top in Auckland and finishing up in the windy city of Wellington. The children were 10 and 6 at the time and loved this trip. They still talk about it today and ask when they can go back (and my daughter does a terrible NZ accent).

This was our itinerary:    Auckland (2 nights) to Waitomo (1 night) to Hobbiton to Rotorua (2 nights) to Wellington (3 nights)  Continue reading “Nine days in New Zealand”